Proper packaging and labeling is essential, not only to keep your supply chain in motion but to protect your shipments. Whether you are a first-time shipper or a logistics pro, properly preparing your shipments for pickup can be a hassle. But when done correctly, it can make your job easier and prevent headaches.

Moving LTL freight both efficiently and cost-efficiently poses unique challenges to shippers. Despite falling gas prices, LTL shipping costs are still effected by truck driver shortages, capacity challenges, and congested infrastructure. None the less, shippers can still be efficient managing their LTL freight. The solution for reducing freight costs and lag times is simpler than those might think.

Any business that ships freight will quickly become familiar with the term National Motor Freight Classification (NMFC). NMFCs are, “a standard that provides a comparison of commodities moving in interstate, intrastate and foreign commerce,” according to The National Motor Freight Traffic Association.

It seems like low gas prices (which are slowly starting to rise again) have been a positive change for almost everybody. The transportation industry has not benefited as much as consumers. In today’s transportation climate, LTL carriers are being squeezed out of profit margins that they were traditionally able to mark up through fuel. And now that fuel prices are lower, carriers are looking to re-weigh and re-classify freight to make up for their losses.

On January 1, 2015, Dimensional Weight Pricing (DIM Weight) was applied to all ground shipments smaller than three cubic feet by the major small package carriers as well as some LTL carriers. With the new pricing matrix, you are charged for the volume and weight of your package, rather than the weight and distance. This means that packages with filler and empty space will cost you more to ship.

Less-than-truckload (LTL) is a shipping mode used for smaller shipments that are too large to be sent parcel but too small to fill an entire truck, typically weighting between 150 and 15,000 lbs., or less than 5 pallets.

The severe weather conditions across the country have affected equipment capacity in all sectors of transportation. LTL carriers continue to work to meet service levels on pickups and deliveries, however, Mother Nature dampers their ability to move freight quickly in and out of their network. In some cases, the conditions are so extreme that drivers are banned from being on the road -- whether it is mandated by the DOT or directly from corporate.